So, I’ve started yet another series.  You’d think I’d learn my lesson.  This series is great for me right now, though, because it’s interesting and fun, but I can put it down.  I’m trying to get my 9 year old to read it, but he isn’t interested so far.  I told him that he couldn’t go to see the movie that will be coming out shortly unless he reads the book first.  We’ll see what happens there.  This series is fun because you get to polish up on your Greek history.  It’s fun to remember what I learned all those years ago, and to brush up on the things I don’t remember.  I like Percy.  I think he’s a good kid and a good kid for my kids to read about.  He’s got a bit of an attitude, but nothing over the top.  His friends are interesting.  His female sidekick is strong and smart.  I like it.

I carpool with a neighbor.  The little girl who rides with us LOVES this book (bright 4th grader).  I had read the other two in the series and hadn’t gotten around to this one yet.  But, because the neighbor girl was so enthusiastic, I had to read it and talk with her about it.  My favorite in this series is still the first one, but I did like this one better than the second.  The children are together and solving problems together with their special powers.  My favorite character by far is Kate and her special red bucket.  I love her!

We just finished listening to The Thief Lord last weekend. I know that this will seem impossible to some, but it took me hours to learn of Michael Jackson’s death. I don’t watch TV and I was listening to this story rather than the radio. Thank you Thief Lord.

This is a fun, magical story. It is about a group of orphans who live in Venice. They are taken care of by a boy who calls himself the Thief Lord. Two of the boys are runaways who are being searched for by a nice detective. There are lots of nice twists and turns, with a solidly happy ending.

This was a great book to listen to with my kids. I listened to all of it, but my kids came in and out. They were able to enjoy whatever part of the story they listened to. I recommend it.

Zen Ties By Jon J. Muth 36 pages. Scholastic Press, c2008. $12.59

This little picture book has a wonderful message.  I read it to my kiddies and they loved the pictures and the imaginative characters.  They loved the haiku and fluidity of the language.  I loved the solid moral message.  I highly recommend this one.  My two year old loved it, my five year old loved it, and I even saw my almost eight year old sneaking a quick look!